Health check

wazza

Have come across an article in a mag about checking the security on your pc.

the mag article is --

http://www.computeractive.co.uk/computeractive/features/2186514/run-online-health-check-shields

the actual program is

https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

simply click on 'proceed' then 'all service ports' and it checks to see if your ports are secured.

i have free zonealarm firewall installed. also have firewall active on my router. Am with NTL

my test results is FAILED. It failed because of the 'ping reply.

''Ping Reply: RECEIVED (FAILED) — Your system REPLIED to our Ping (ICMP Echo) requests, making it visible on the Internet. Most personal firewalls can be configured to block, drop, and ignore such ping requests in order to better hide systems from hackers. This is highly recommended since "Ping" is among the oldest and most common methods used to locate systems prior to further exploitation.''

can i correct this? Have not been a victim of viruses etc with the current setup (fingers crossed).

joshm_2

I wouldn't worry. Depending on your router type, you might be able to switch it off. It's no big deal if you can't, IMO.

Wonga

If you can be ping'ed, you are 'visible' on the net and while it isn't the worst that can happen, it is well worth plugging as you may be the victim of a DoS attack (Denial of Service) which can be inconvenient to say the least.

If your router doesn't support it (if you are using a router) then replace it, simple as...

wazza

Wonga wrote: »

If you can be ping'ed, you are 'visible' on the net and while it isn't the worst that can happen, it is well worth plugging as you may be the victim of a DoS attack (Denial of Service) which can be inconvenient to say the least.

If your router doesn't support it (if you are using a router) then replace it, simple as...

how can i check if my router supports this feature?

Wonga

What is the make and model of the router?

wazza

mercury broadband router model KOB BR100

thanks in advance

albertross_2

try going to http://192.168.1.1

and looking for icmp or ping settings

wazza

Wonga wrote: »

What is the make and model of the router?

thanks. problem solved. dug out the manual and found a setting where you can disable the ping feature. Reran the healthcheck and it passed with flying colours.

thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Wonga

I guess they will have a user manual on their website but it is virtually unaccessible at the moment http://www.mercury-pc.com/

wazza

thanks for the help. problem solved. matter of changing a setting in the router.